BETHEL, Ohio — The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office and Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office announced Thursday that Bethel Police Chief Chad Essert has been indicted on 70 felony charges involving the alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
According to investigators, Essert, 44, of Blanchester, Ohio, was indicted by a Clermont County Grand Jury on June 11, 2026. The indictment charges him with 56 counts of Sexual Battery and 14 counts of Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor, all third-degree felonies.
If convicted on all charges, Essert faces a maximum sentence of 280 years in prison.
Authorities said the alleged offenses occurred between 2005 and 2010 while Essert was an instructor with the Young Marines program and a teacher at Scarlet Oaks in Sharonville, Ohio. Investigators said the victim was a student of Essert’s during that timeframe and that the alleged offenses occurred at multiple locations throughout Clermont and Hamilton counties.
Officials emphasized that the allegations contained in the indictment are independent of and unrelated to facts and circumstances from an earlier investigation involving Essert that was reported by local media.
“It takes tremendous courage for a victim to come forward, especially when the accused wears a badge and holds a position of authority,” Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton said. “Today’s indictment demonstrates that no one is above the law. Every victim deserves to be heard, and every allegation will be thoroughly investigated and pursued in accordance with the law.”
The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of similar conduct to contact law enforcement. Investigators said information provided by victims and witnesses may assist with the ongoing investigation.
“I am thankful for the outstanding support from Prosecutor Tekulve’s Office throughout this investigation,” Stratton added. “This indictment reflects our shared dedication to public safety and enforcing the law.”
On June 11, 2026, at 7:06 p.m., Essert was taken into custody without incident in Seminole, Florida, by members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Investigations Section.
He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail, where he remains incarcerated awaiting extradition back to Clermont County.
According to Fox19.com, Essert was using FMLA and accrued time off at the time of his arrest during unrelated investigations ongoing in Ohio.
“This investigation is a perfect example of how victims are protected and served regardless of the name or title of the perpetrator,” Clermont County Prosecutor Mark Tekulve said. “The Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office worked seamlessly in this effort.”
The investigation remains ongoing.